UMVA has learned that Maynilad Water Services has begun storing raw water in a newly repurposed reservoir at the La Mesa Water Treatment Plant to fortify supply during the looming dry season.
The makeshift reservoir, carved out of former sludge lagoons, can already hold up to 67 million liters of untreated water while the project moves through partial operation, with full capacity slated for June 2026.
When completed, the six‑meter‑deep basin will boast a total storage volume of roughly 200 million liters, transforming a once‑industrial sludge pit into a vital water‑bank for the plant.
This added buffer promises to smooth out the plant’s raw‑water intake, shielding treatment processes from sudden drops in inflow or spikes in turbidity that typically strain operations.
“The facility enhances our ability to manage raw water variability and maintain stable treatment operations, particularly during periods of lower inflow or higher turbidity,” explained Maynilad’s chief operating officer.
Marking the utility’s first dedicated raw‑water storage site, the new reservoir will complement an existing network of 38 treated‑water tanks that already serve Metro Manila’s western districts and parts of Cavite.
By securing this hidden reservoir, Maynilad aims to ensure a reliable flow of clean water to millions of households, even as climate patterns push the region toward longer, drier spells.
